Tesla's Full Self-Driving Technology Faces Federal Investigation Over Safety Concerns

U.S. Safety Regulator Examines 2.4 Million Tesla Vehicles After Fatal Crash

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration launched an investigation in October 2024 into Tesla’s Full Self-Driving technology after a pedestrian death involving the autonomous driving system. The probe could lead to a recall affecting 2.4 million Tesla vehicles, spanning five models manufactured between 2016 and 2024. Federal investigators aim to determine whether the self-driving system can reliably detect obstacles and prevent accidents in challenging visibility conditions following four recent crashes that occurred during fog, sun glare, or dusty conditions. The investigation marks the latest challenge for Tesla’s autonomous driving program, linked to over 1,000 crashes and 33 fatalities since its 2020 release.

5 Key Points

• The NHTSA investigation into Tesla’s Full Self-Driving technology follows a fatal pedestrian accident and three other crashes in low-visibility conditions.
• If a recall is ordered, it would affect 2.4 million vehicles across five Tesla models, including the Model S, Model X, Model 3, Model Y, and Cybertruck.
• Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system has been involved in more than 1,000 crashes and 33 deaths since its 2020 launch.
• While the system controls steering, acceleration, braking, and navigation, Tesla requires drivers to remain alert and ready to take control.
• All Tesla vehicles manufactured since April 2019 include hardware supporting the optional Full Self-Driving software capability.

NHTSA Launches Tesla Investigation After Fatal October Crash

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began examining Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system on October 15, 2024, after a pedestrian death involving the autonomous driving system. The probe examines four crashes in which the system was active during sun glare, fog, or airborne dust. Investigators will determine if the technology can detect obstacles in low-visibility situations.

Five Tesla Models Face Possible Recall

The investigation affects 2.4 million vehicles across five Tesla models: the Model S and Model X (2016-2024), Model 3 (2017-2024), Model Y (2020-2024), and Cybertruck (2023-2024). Tesla equipped all vehicles made after April 2019 with Full Self-Driving hardware while offering upgrades for older models.

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Tesla’s Autonomous System Development Timeline

CEO Elon Musk initiated Tesla’s autonomous driving program in 2013 and launched Autopilot in 2015. The Full Self-Driving system debuted in 2020 and added steering, acceleration, braking, and navigation features. Tesla requires drivers to stay alert and maintain control and responsibility while using the system.

Crash Data Prompts Safety Debate

Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system has been involved in 1,033 crashes and 33 deaths from 2020 to 2024. California tech executive Dan O’Dowd spent $25 million on a 2022 Senate campaign focused on banning the system. Tesla defends the technology as a tool for reducing traffic accidents caused by human error.